Protecting Against Insider Threats: Strategies for Internal Security

Insider threats are one of the most challenging and costly risks for organizations of all sizes and sectors. According to a recent report by IBM, the average cost of an insider attack in 2020 was $11.45 million, up 31% from 2018. Insider threats can take many forms, such as data theft, sabotage, fraud, espionage, or even violence. They can be perpetrated by current or former employees, contractors, vendors, partners, or anyone else who has access to the organization’s assets or information.

How can organizations protect themselves from insider threats? There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some best practices that can help reduce the likelihood and impact of such incidents. Here are some strategies for internal security that can help you safeguard your organization from insider threats.

Establish a clear policy and culture of security.

The first step is to define what constitutes an insider threat and what are the expected behaviors and responsibilities of all employees and stakeholders regarding security. Communicate this policy clearly and regularly to everyone in the organization and provide training and awareness programs to reinforce it. Create a culture of security where employees feel valued, trusted, and empowered to report any suspicious or anomalous activities without fear of retaliation.

Implement robust access controls and monitoring systems.

The second step is to limit and track who has access to what data and resources and for what purpose. Use the principle of least privilege and grant access only to those who need it for their job functions. Implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as passwords, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access. Monitor and audit all user activities and transactions on your network and systems and use tools such as data loss prevention (DLP), user behavior analytics (UBA), or artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and respond to any anomalies or deviations from normal patterns.

Conduct regular risk assessments and audits.

The third step is to identify and assess the potential sources and impacts of insider threats on your organization. Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to evaluate your security posture and identify any gaps or vulnerabilities in your policies, processes, systems, or people. Review your access rights and permissions periodically and revoke or modify them as needed. Update your security tools and technologies regularly and patch any known flaws or bugs. Test your incident response plan and backup procedures frequently and ensure that you have the resources and capabilities to handle any insider attack scenarios.

Foster a collaborative and supportive environment.

The fourth step is to create a positive and healthy work environment where employees feel engaged, motivated, and loyal to the organization. Provide feedback and recognition for good performance and behavior and address any issues or conflicts promptly and fairly. Encourage collaboration and teamwork among employees and across departments and foster a sense of belonging and shared vision. Offer support and assistance to employees who may be facing personal or professional challenges or stressors that could affect their judgment or behavior.

Seek external help when needed.

The fifth step is to recognize that you may not be able to prevent or handle all insider threats on your own and that you may need external help from experts or authorities at some point. Establish a relationship with law enforcement agencies and other relevant organizations that can provide guidance or assistance in case of an insider attack. Consult with security professionals or consultants who can help you design, implement, or evaluate your security strategy and solutions. Seek legal advice or counsel if you need to deal with any legal or regulatory issues or implications arising from an insider attack.